My Favorite Hotels, Resorts and Transportation Tips
Acclaimed travel journalist Howard Hian shares his favorites for couples travel.
High Hampton Inn, Paradise in the Blue Ridge Mountains
The rustically beautiful and elegant High Hampton Inn listed on the National Register of Historic Places, includes an inn, cottages, cabins, and a secluded lakeside cabin with a fabulous waterwheel. Every accommodation overlooking the spectacular scenery of North Carolina’s sliver of the Blue Ridge Mountains, features a private bath, although thankfully, in true mountain style there are no telephones, televisions, or computers to distract from the complete resort tradition, and the main Lodge is cooled only by the mountain breezes.
Two Romantic Sea Side Destinations
No better coastal destination exists on the west coast than Huntington Beach, (Surf City USA) and Redondo Beach where a historic pier, dazzling harbor, glistening beaches, and award winning restaurants are just the appetizer.
The Jersey Shore…Fer Shaur!
After boning up on the lingo, the Jersey “shaur” is an amazing mix of fun, food, and a “heccka” good time! It has excitement, thrills, Victorian towns, antique shoppin’, horse racin’, amusement “pawks”, the most gorgeous golf courses and of course sandy beaches for miles. Fa-get-a-baut it! Mr Toad’s Wild Ride can’t compete wit dis place!
Waco, A Friendly Taste of Central Texas’ Heartland
Folks in Waco know their gems and are more than happy to share them with visitors. This beautiful little city in the heart of Texas is lush and fertile partly in thanks to the gorgeous Brazos River and the Bosque River which meander through, providing an ambiance and an environment that attracts wildlife and birds as much as visitors.
Mining, Wining, and Dining in Historic Amador County, California
Although Amador County has drawn visitors for more than a century, in recent years a newfound appreciation for its spectacular offerings has resulted in a surge of enchanted visitors.
Amador County’s assets include the lush Shenandoah Valley’s award winning wines, the gently rolling western slopes, and majestic mountain backdrops to the east. Some of the state’s finest skiing, golfing, dining, and lodging find their home in Amador County, the perfect destination for a weekend of history, culture, and recreational opportunity.
Downieville’s Carriage House Inn, A Gold Rush Getaway
Downieville is one of the most charming little historic towns in California’s gold rush country, making it a wonderful place for a weekend getaway.
California’s Shenandoah Valley Welcomes an Inaugural Barbera Festival
Wine aficionados will welcome exciting news as they converge at Cooper Ranch in Plymouth, California, located in the Golden State’s scenic Shenandoah Valley wine county in beautiful Amador County, for the first-ever Barbera Festival.
A Romantic Spring Hike in the Sierra Foothills
It’s Spring again and that means that the hills are vibrant green, wildflowers are blooming, and wildlife is abundant for foothills nature hikes. One such hike just an hour from Sacramento and a half an hour from Marysville is a gorgeous jaunt to Beale Falls, also known as Fairy Falls by the locals.
Think Outside the Box On A Road Trip to Southern California
When traveling to S. California’s highlights, a discerning couple needs to think a little outside the box to create a truly unique, romantic, and unforgettable S. Cal experience.
Road Trippin’ Through Yuba City, California
You could literally trip through Yuba City and pass a little gem of a town. It’s a little pot of gold! It’s considered a nesting place among the Sierra Foothills. Founded in 1849, it was established as a distribution center for supplying the Gold Rush 49ers. There the Yuba River and Feather River converge and further downstream, the Feather flows into the Sacramento River.
Zaandam’s Mexican Riviera
During our recent 11-day cruise on Holland America’s Zaandam, our itinerary included six stops. It’s interesting to note that most towns in Mexico have four things in common; a zocala (main plaza), a church, a bullring and a mercado (central market). Additionally, the beach communities we visited had a malecon (boardwalk) which lined the harbor. Here is a brief overview of our ports.